THESIS GUIDELINE

FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

ENGLISH VERSION

NOVEMBER, 2018
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 1

Preface ............................................................................................................................................ 3

GENARAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................. 4

Page Layout .................................................................................................................................... 5
Spacing .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Printing and Pagination .................................................................................................................. 5
Language and Paragraphs .............................................................................................................. 5
Binding ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Declaration ..................................................................................................................................... 5

PROPOSAL FORMAT ...................................................................................................................... 6

Proposal Document General Sections ............................................................................................ 7
Preliminary Pages ........................................................................................................................... 7
Title Page ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Declaration Page ........................................................................................................................... 7
Approval ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Dedication ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Acknowledgement ......................................................................................................................... 7
Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... 8
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 8
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................... 8
List of Figures ................................................................................................................................. 8
List of Acronyms And Abbreviations .............................................................................................. 8
MAIN TEXT ..................................................................................................................................... 8
1.0 Introduction (Chapter One) ..................................................................................................... 8
1.1Background ............................................................................................................................... 8
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1.2 Problem Statement .................................................................................................................. 9
1.3 General objective / Aim / Purpose ........................................................................................... 9
1.4 Specific objectives ................................................................................................................... 9
1.5 Research Questions .................................................................................................................. 9
1.6 Hypothesis ................................................................................................................................ 9
1.7 Significance / Justification / Importance ................................................................................. 9
1.8 Scope of the Study .................................................................................................................... 9
1.9 Definition of key terms .......................................................................................................... 10
1.10 Conceptual framework ......................................................................................................... 10

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW .............................................................................................................. 10

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 10

Referances ................................................................................................................................... 11
APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................. 12
SUBMISSION AND LENGTH OF THE PROPOSAL ........................................................................... 12

THESIS FORMAT .......................................................................................................................... 13

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS / FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION ............................................................ 13
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................... 15
SUBMISSION AND LENGTH OF THE THESIS ................................................................................. 15

APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................. 16
Cover Page Sample ...................................................................................................................... 17
Title Page Sample ........................................................................................................................ 18
Approval Page ............................................................................................................................. 19
Declaration Page .......................................................................................................................... 20

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 PREFACE

It has been four years since the reopening of Somali national university, as years passed, the
graduation of the first batch is around the corner. On that basis, the rector of Somali National
University Prof Mohamed Ahmed Jim’ale, has issued a directive nominating a technical
committee for harmonizing the graduation process and setting the standards and guidelines for
writing thesis books for candidates to graduate.
This is a detailed description and guide of the steps and writings required by the Somali National
University for the preparation and approval of the thesis or dissertations. The entire process is
covered, from the thesis proposal to final thesis book. The appendices contain some sample
pages.
The rector’s office is acknowledging the following team for preparing and writing such
comprehensive guideline which will contribute much in improving the quality of thesis books for
undergraduate students
1. Hassan Mohamed Hassan
2. Hassan Osman Ga’al
3. Mariam Sheikh Yusuf
4. Hassan Mohamed Abdi
5. Abdullahi Omar Abdulle
6. Abdirisak Mohamed Adam
7. Sayidomar Yasin Sheikh Mohamed
8. Mohamed Haji Abdulkadir
9. Ismail Abdullahi Ibrahim
10. Mohamed Ahmed Sh. Ali

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 GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS

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Page Layout
 The text should be presented in the portrait layout. The landscape layout may be used for
figures and tables and must be typed and printed on an A4 size. Any deviation from this
standard paper size will not be accepted.
 The font type will be Times New Roman, font size 12 and consistency must be maintained.
Spacing
 The thesis should be double-spaced, with four spaces between paragraphs and sections.
The following, however, should be single-spaced:
I. Footnotes (if absolutely necessary);
II. Quotations of three lines or more indented and set in a block;
III. References or bibliography (except between entries);
IV. Multi-line captions (tables, figures);
V. Appendices, such as questionnaires, letters
VI. Headings or subheadings.

Printing and Pagination

 Printing should be on one side of the paper only.
 Pages shall be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, starting with the first page of
text and the number shall appear in the center of the lower margin of the page.
 Preliminary pages such as table of contents, list of tables and figures that precede the first
page of text shall be numbered using small Roman numerals.
Language and Paragraphs
 Paragraphing should be consistent. Either leave space or indent between paragraphs.
 Spacing and indenting should not be used together.
 One sentence paragraphs are unacceptable.
 the language for writing the thesis should be the language for instruction during study
period
Binding
 The layout of the page should be as following
Left margin: 40 mm
Right margin 25 mm
Top margin 25 mm
Bottom margin 25 mm
 Spiral binding is the recommended type binding for a research report during examination
process. Hard Cover binding should be used at final Submission of the thesis book.

Declaration
 It is must that this guide should be followed strictly.
 Originality should be maintained, plagiarism is strongly verboten
 A written permission should be sought if there is a need to deviate from the above
research proposal/ thesis writing specifications and the justification should be clarified.

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Proposal
Format

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PROPOSAL

The arrangement of the research proposal/ thesis is based on a standard format which contains
the following three sections:
 Preliminary pages
 Main Text
 Appendices

PRELIMINARY PAGES

Title Page
 The title should be a clear and concise description of the focus and contribution of the
research. It should not contain more than 15 words and excludes grammatical words such
as articles, conjunction and prepositions.
 The title should not contain phrases which reflect research exercise such as “An
investigation of …”, “A preliminary study of …”, “A study of …”, “Analysis of...”
 Research title/topic of study. This is normally written about three centimeters from the
top of the page. The title should accurately reflect the scope and content of the study (the
study variables).
 The following Statement of Award for the Thesis or proposal should be placed just about
twelve centimeters from the bottom of the page “A research proposal/thesis submitted
in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of …. Degree in … of Somali National
University.”
 Thesis title should not contain acronyms or even acronyms in brackets except for
commonly used in the field of the study
 The month and year when the document is submitted should appear at the bottom of the
cover page.

Declaration page (compulsory)

 The declaration page should immediately follow the title page and be numbered in Roman
Numbers.
 The researchers should declare the originality of their work and dully sign at the end of
page. This is a compulsory page. (This must be in one page)
Approval page (compulsory)
 Here the supervisor/s declares that this work was done under his/her supervision in
accordance with the university guideline, the supervisor/s should sign at the end of the
page with his/her names written while their credentials (qualifications) appear
immediately under their names. (This must be in one page)
Dedication (optional)
 The dedication page is used when the researchers intend to dedicate their original work
to their esteemed fellow persons i.e. parents, teachers, leaders etc. (This must be in one
page)

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Acknowledgement (optional)
 This page is devoted to convey appreciation or a “thank you” message to those who have
been helpful in the process of the research. (This must be in one page)
Abstract (compulsory only for thesis)
 The abstract page is included only in reports (not in Proposals). It summarizes the
structure of the whole text and the major facts it contains. It should be written in past
tense.
 It should capture a content about background, objectives, methodology, results,
conclusion and recommendations of the study.
 (It should not exceed one page content)

Table of Contents (compulsory)

 The Table of Contents lists the chapters, topics and sub-topics together with their page
numbers. Sub-topics and topics should be labelled according to the chapter for example;

List of Figures
 This list contains the titles of figures, together with their page numbers, which are listed in
the text. For e.g., figures in Chapter 3 are numbered sequentially: Figure 3.1, Figure 3.2.
List of Tables
 This list contains the titles of tables, together with their page numbers, which are listed in
the text. The numbering system is according to chapter, for e.g.: tables in Chapter 3 are
numbered sequentially: Table 3.1, Table 3.2.
List of Acronyms or Abbreviations
 The acronyms and abbreviations are required to be in accordance to internationally
accepted abbreviation and acronyms, this should be presented in tubular form.

MAIN TEXT

The text part of the proposal contains three chapters while the report/thesis contains 5 chapters.
They can be summarized as the following:

1.0 INTRODUCTION (CHAPTER ONE)

The following are the subtopics which may be contained in chapter one, the researcher can
choose the necessary ones which suits the nature of his/her study

1.1 Background

This section provides evidence and conditions of the existing situations highlighting the gap(s) to
make the reader feel the urgency of the problem and equip the readers the necessary
information for further understanding of the topic.

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1.2 Problem Statement
 Refers to what has been detected and needs a solution in the practical or theoretical
world.
 Should clearly state the nature of the problem and its known or estimated magnitude /
extent.
 A statistical figure or any evidence worthy statement must appear and be cited from a
significant source.

1.3 General Objective / Aim / Purpose

 Refers to the general intention of the research. Should spell out what the research is
supposed to accomplish. It should be one in number and be in line with the title.

1.4 Specific objectives

 Have to be in line with the study variables, be related to the general objective.
 For each specific objective the researcher must have a method to attempt to achieve it.

1.5 Research Questions

 They should be in line with the specific objectives.
 Have to be numbered (1, 2, 3…..) and should be questions and not statements.

1.6 Hypotheses (where applicable)

 These are investigative assumptions, which guide the study. In case of hypotheses, they
should be testable. (Hypothesis is usually null or alternate, whichever poses the
investigative question).

1.7 Significance/Importance/justification
 This refers to the relevance of study in terms of academic contributions and practical use
that might be made of the findings.
 It should reflect on knowledge creation, technological or socio-economic value to the
community.

1.8 Scope of the study

 The scope provides for the boundary of the research in terms of:
 Content i.e. the design and the tools used.
 Geographical i.e. the study area should be clearly described in terms of its geographical
boundaries
 Time frame i.e. when the study will be started and when it’s going to be finished

1.9 Definition of Key Terms

 Main terms related to the study that require to be specified or clarified in order to provide
a correct understanding of the study on the part of the reader.
 Not be necessarily a dictionary definitions but a researcher’s definition; the way he or she
understands it.

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1.10 Conceptual Framework
 This is a scheme of concepts (variables) which a researcher will operationalize in the study
in order to achieve the set objectives.
 The framework is normally presented graphically (diagrammatically)

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW (CHAPTER TWO)

 The literature, especially from research should be as current as possible. Use of internet
to sources on-line current references is highly encouraged. Ancient literature may be used
to stress historical significance especially where important theorists are being cited.
 The citation style should be in line with the latest APA referencing approach.
 Cross check and ensure that all citation as are not only included in the references but that
the years correspond with authors appropriately.
 Summary and gap identification must be included at the end of this chapter

3.0 METHODOLOGY (CHAPTER THREE)

The following are the subtopics which may be contained in chapter one, the researcher can
choose the necessary ones which suits the nature of his/her study

3.1 Research design

 Which describes the nature and pattern the research intends to follow e.g. whether it is
cross sectional, descriptive survey, experimental or quasi experimental and Research
approaches – Qualitative/quantitative should be stated.
3.2 Population of the study
 describe the population from where your research sample will be selected
Justify the choice of the target population and give figures where appropriate.

3.3 Study area

 Description of the geographical area and where population of the study exists
 Briefly give enough information of any quality (attribute) which is significant for your
study.
3.4 Sample size determination
 It should be stated the design to get enough sample size for the study
 The method used should be justified

3.5 Sampling procedure

 After indicating the number of the respondents which is to be used, the researcher must
mention the procedure to use for choosing the stipulated number of the respondents
form the wider population i.e. systematic sampling
3.6 Data Collection Instrument
 Describe each instrument that will be used in the study.

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  Give brief description on each of them i.e. the number of items, the category of the
respondents which will be used for
3.7 Data collection procedure
 This section is intended to give a complete picture of how the researcher will handle the
process of data collection give the reader a mental picture of you in the field using your
tool to collect the data
3.8 Data analysis procedure
 Here the researcher must write the strategy for data analysis
 It includes data presentation, analysis and interpretation plans
 Both raw data and the analyzed form be kept both electronically and hardcopy for further
reference later.
3.9 Inclusion and exclusion criteria
 Mention on which criteria have the researcher chosen his/her respondents or study
subjects

3.10 Quality control

 It refers to reliability and validity of instruments
 Pilot test (if suitable)
3.11 Ethical consideration
 Demonstrate the understanding of research ethics and show how you will observe ethical
issues related to researching human subjects (e.g. confidentiality, anonymity, soliciting
informed consents among others that capture the considerations you will use to protect
human rights of the research subjects/participants and ensuring they suffer no harm from
the research process and outputs/outcomes)
 It should give enough information regarding the informed consent, privacy,
confidentiality and anonymity of the study

REFERENCES
 This is a list of all works cited in the proposal and should be written according to the
approved format. The approved format is APA
 It is a separate part which follows immediately after ending chapter three

APPENDICES
Comprises of the budget, work plan/time framework, explanatory notes and instruments.
Budget (for proposals only)
This is the financial plan for implementation of the research. It should be clear, realistic and
reasonable (affordable) It should be itemized according to the following and be presented in
tubular form:
 Equipment
 Materials.
 Travel
 Research Assistance
 Services (Secretarial, Photocopying, Printing, Binding)

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  Dissemination (Publishing, Conferences etc)
 Others (Specify)
Time Framework/Work Plan
 This is the schedule / time-table of activities covering the period over which the research
is to be implemented with due regard to budgetary consideration as well.

Explanatory Notes
 These include research approval letters, maps, and lists of areas to be visited.
Instruments/Tools
 These are details of tools used in the research e.g. Equipment, questionnaire, interview
schedule, scales and tests etc.

NB: The content of the research proposal will normally end at chapter three and its contents are
usually written in the future tense. The references, research instruments and other essential
appendices will however, come immediately after this chapter.

SUBMISSION AND LENGTH OF THE PROPOSAL

A proposal for the research should be not less than 20 pages excluding appendices.
 The proposal is submitted to the faculty headship or any assigned person or office for this
purpose
 The faculty will forward your proposal to the faculty committee for further evaluation
 After evaluation, the department will communicate a schedule for presenting the
proposal.
 After presenting the proposal an “Approval letter” and “introduction letter” will be issued
for the researcher if the proposal succeed after making minor or major amendments
recommended by the evaluation panel.

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THESIS
Format

13
PRELIMINARY PAGES

The Preliminaries (pages numbered in Roman numerals) to consist of:-

 Title page (Not numbered)
 Declaration (compulsory for certificate & Degree research)
 Dedication (optional)
 Acknowledgement
 Table of Contents
 List of Tables (where applicable)
 List of illustrations (Figures) (where applicable)
 Abbreviations (Acronyms) (where applicable)
 Abstract (only for report)

The Body/Text (Page numbers in Arabic numerals) i) for thesis / reports the text consists of:
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Methodology
4. Results / Findings and discussion
5. Conclusions and recommendations

CHAPTER ONE, TWO AND THREE OF THE REPORT

 They have the same subheadings as in the proposal, except the written language is
changed into past tense
 In chapter one, limitations and delimitations subheading is included in the report
 In chapter two, more detailed literature review is expected; number of reviewed articles
should increase

4.0 RESULTS / FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION (CHAPTER FOUR)

 Data should be presented in logical manner
 Descriptive statistical tools such as tables and charts are used to present the main
variables of the study
 Brief description should follow each table or chart
 Inferential statistics tools should be used if further analysis rather than presenting is
needed i.e. hypothesis testing
 Interpretation of the final results
 Discussion should begin with a persuasive, one-paragraph summary of the study's key
findings
 Go back to the literature compare with what you have found, explain how they fit in with
previous work.
 If your results differ from others' findings you should try to explain why (give possible
explanation)

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5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (CHAPTER FIVE)
 this chapter is the last in the report or thesis
 it should have conclusion and recommendation as sub headings
 In conclusion, the results or in other words the answers of your research questions should
be mentioned
 No new findings in your Conclusion
 Recommendations that are too broad, too general, or not directly related to the exact
topic of their research are not allowed
 The recommendations should be applicable and directed to a specific entity

SUBMISSION AND LENGTH OF THE THESIS

 the thesis/report should be not less than 50 pages
 Submission of research report/thesis has to be done within the candidature period. The
candidate should submit one copy of the book in (CD-ROM / DVD) and Five (5) hardbound
copies of the book.

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Appendices

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 FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA
SOMALI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

ETHNO-VETERINARY PRACTICES AMONGST LIVESTOCK

FARMERS IN ADALE DISTRICT, MIDDLE
SHABELLE, SOMALIA

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE

REQUIREMENTS OF THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
OF SOMALI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

SUPERVISOR CANDIDATE
PROF. AHMED GURE IBRAHIM KASIM ALI

ACADEMIC YEAR
2018 – 2019
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FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

THESIS
ETHNO-VETERINARY PRACTICES AMONGST LIVESTOCK
FARMERS IN ADALE DISTRICT, MIDDLE SHABELLE, SOMALIA

CANDIDATE

ABDULLAHI AHMED AWALE

ID: VET303

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE

REQUIREMENTS OF THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF VETERINARY
MEDICINE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY OF SOMALI NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY

MARCH, 2019

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 APPROVAL PAGE

This Proposal / Thesis has been written with my guidance and supervision and thus recommend it
for submission for further consideration.

Yours Sincerely,

Name: ___________________________________

Title: _____________________________________

Signature Date:

___________________________ _____/______/________________

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 DECLARATION

I, ____________________________, hereby declare that this Thesis entitled

“……………………………………………………….” is my original work and to the best of my
knowledge it has never been presented in any other institution for any academic award. I also
declare that any secondary information used has been duly acknowledged in this dissertation.

Name: _____________________________ Date: _____/_______/________

Signature: __________________________

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